This initiative, presented by acting minister Antonio Sanz, seeks to better manage demand, decrease waiting times, and make more efficient use of healthcare professionals' capacity. According to Ministry data, during the first quarter of 2026, 13,188 direct referrals to Physiotherapy were recorded in Andalusia, with 3,332 of these in the province of Seville.
The new model is designed for patients with common conditions such as lower back pain, neck pain, knee pain, painful shoulder, plantar fasciitis, or epicondylitis to receive faster assessment and treatment at their local health center, reducing intermediate steps and consultations.
These are very common problems that directly impact quality of life, cause pain and functional limitation, and represent high demand for care in health centers.
In 2025, SAS Primary and Community Care centers handled a total of 844,555 physiotherapy consultations, including 57,978 for children aged 0 to 15. Referrals are made by family doctors following protocols agreed upon by Medicine, Nursing, and Physiotherapy, which Sanz described as a "planned, safe, and evaluated model" that reinforces teamwork.
The Regional Government of Andalusia has strengthened the Physiotherapy staff within the SAS, increasing it by 68% since 2018, from 840 to 1,412 professionals, with an additional 272 positions planned. Furthermore, 10.5 million euros have been allocated for the adaptation of care spaces and the provision of specific equipment.
This measure is part of a broader strategy to reinforce Primary Care, improve accessibility, and increase the resolution capacity at the first level of care. The Ministry emphasizes that strong Primary Care is one that "attends more, resolves sooner, works in teams, and avoids unnecessary travel."
The Physiotherapy Unit at the Clara Campoamor health center in Mairena del Aljarafe (Seville), serving approximately 62,000 people, currently has six clinical physiotherapists, two professionals with both clinical and management roles, one occupational therapist, and plans to hire a speech therapist soon. In addition to injury treatment, the service offers assessment, clinical follow-up, individualized therapeutic plans, therapeutic exercise, manual therapy, health education, therapeutic groups, home care, and telematic consultations, among other activities.
Primary Care in Andalusia recorded nearly 99 million consultations in 2025, with 31,374 professionals, a 21.4% increase compared to 2018. The network has been expanded with 32 new health centers and 20 clinics.
